Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a spectacular late strike that clinched a 3-1 triumph for Liverpool over Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the Carabao Cup at Anfield, ensuring the Reds progress to the next stage while the Spurs managed only a solitary goal against top‑flight opposition. The match opened with Liverpool asserting their dominance early on.
After a few minutes of cautious play, Lucas Bergvall found himself in a promising position inside the box, but his close‑range effort was unintentionally deflected by the outstretched legs of Tottenham goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, denying the visitors an early lead. Liverpool capitalised on the missed opportunity when Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister curled a beautiful ball over the Tottenham defence and placed it neatly into the top corner, giving the home side a 1-0 advantage.
Tottenham responded with a series of chances of their own. Mohammed Kudus, who had impressed in previous fixtures, attempted a powerful volley after a clever run by Destiny Udogie, but the strike sailed over the bar, leaving the Spurs still searching for an equaliser. The first half continued with Liverpool controlling possession and creating chances, but the score remained 1-0 at the break. The second half saw Liverpool double their lead through Dutch forward Cody Gakpo.
After a swift transition, Gakpo found himself in space on the left flank, cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot that beat the goalkeeper, making it 2-0. The goal highlighted Liverpool's fluid attacking play and the effectiveness of their midfield linking up with the forwards.
Tottenham, however, were not to be written off. Mid‑fielder Conor Gallagher rose to the occasion, meeting a well‑placed cross and heading the ball into the net to pull one back for Roberto De Zerbi's side, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
The goal injected fresh belief into the Spurs, and they pressed forward in search of an equaliser. In the 86th minute, Tottenham thought they had found the equaliser when Omar Marmoush struck a low shot that forced a spectacular fingertip save from Mamardashvili.
The goalkeeper’s reflexes were on full display as he parried the ball away, preserving Liverpool's lead and setting the stage for a dramatic finale. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Szoboszlai stepped up. Receiving the ball just outside the penalty area, he turned swiftly, curled a left‑footed shot that arced over the advancing Martin Dubravka and nestled into the far corner. The goal, described by commentators as a "worldie," sealed a 3-1 victory for Liverpool and sent the Anfield crowd into rapturous applause.
Post‑match, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola praised his team's performance, emphasizing the quality of the three goals and the importance of the first two, which were built from strong origins. He singled out Szoboszlai's late strike as a moment of brilliance, noting that while some might doubt a player’s ability to score from such distance, Dom proved otherwise. Iraola also highlighted the impact of young midfielder Lewis Koumas, lauding his energy and contagious enthusiasm during training and the match.
"I see his drive every day," Iraola said. "When he pushes forward, it lifts the whole squad and forces opponents to chase the ball." The manager added that the ten changes made to the lineup, including the inclusion of Trey Nyoni in midfield, paid dividends by adding maturity and balance.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi remained optimistic despite the loss. He acknowledged the team's ability to create chances and expressed belief in his players' quality, stating that the squad is still in a building phase and that the season will bring more positive results. De Zerbi admitted disappointment with the outcome but stressed the importance of staying calm and trusting the club's long‑term project.
Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp offered his perspective on both sides. He praised Liverpool for their quick, aggressive pressing that forced Tottenham into errors, noting that this style mirrors the approach Iraola employed during his time at Bournemouth.
Redknapp also recognized Tottenham's sharpness and the potential of players like Bergvall, suggesting that the Spurs could have produced multiple goals on a different day. Overall, the match showcased Liverpool's attacking prowess, defensive resilience, and the decisive impact of a single moment of individual brilliance.
Szoboszlai's late goal not only secured the win but also underscored the importance of having players capable of producing game‑changing moments when the stakes are high. The victory propels Liverpool further in the Carabao Cup, while Tottenham will look to regroup and improve their defensive organization ahead of upcoming league fixtures. The game also highlighted the tactical battle between Iraola's high‑press, fast‑transition system and De Zerbi's attempt to play out from the back. While Tottenham struggled to cope with Liverpool's relentless pressure, they demonstrated moments of creativity and resilience, particularly through Gallagher's header and Marmoush's near‑equaliser.
Both managers will take valuable lessons from the encounter as they continue their campaigns in the Premier League and domestic cup competitions. In summary, Liverpool's 3-1 win, capped by Szoboszlai's stunning stoppage‑time strike, reflects a team in good form, blending youthful energy with experienced execution, while Tottenham can take solace in the fact that they managed to break the deadlock against a strong opponent and will aim to build on the positives identified by De Zerbi and the pundits.